Stogie Guys Free Newsletter

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In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) According to an IPCPR press release, Michigan politicians are mulling a doubling of the state’s tax rate on tobacco products to 64 percent of the manufacturer’s wholesale price. The move would be disastrous for the B&Ms, producers, and distributors who already must struggle to survive the looming federal SCHIP tax hikes. All this comes as the anti-tobacco campaign to impose a statewide smoking ban is revived. “It should be left up to individual business owners to decide whether or not they allow smoking on their premises,” said Chris McCalla, legislative director of IPCPR. “Their employees and customers can then decide whether to work there or patronize them.”

2) In more positive news, a move to prohibit tobacco at all North Dakota college campuses failed to muster the support it needed from the state Board of Higher Education. And Kansas lawmakers balked on a statewide bill, likely deferring discussions of a smoking ban until 2010.

3) Inside the Industry: Toraño is releasing a new version of its Exodus line, the Liga-H blend, that will come in a five-cigar sampler with special versions of the original two Exodus lines. Former employees of high-end cigar accessory maker Colibri protested as the bankrupt company’s assets were auctioned off. Rocky Patel’s Sumatra-wrapped Spring Collection hits the shelves of limited cigar stores soon.

5) Deal of the Week: Need (another) humidor filled with great cigars? Let us suggest this deal which includes a 50-count humidor and 25 big name smokes. Included are 5 cigars each by Don Pepin, Graycliff, Gurkha, and Rocky Patel. Compared to what you might pay for everything alone, you’re getting over 50% off plus free shipping. Grab yours here.